MODAL AND RELATED VERBS

USES: EXAMPLES:
- Strong obligation(outside) - You have to study for the
R tests.
E - General obligation( law, rule ) - Children under 16 have to go
L HAVE TO to school.
A
T - Not necessarily the speaker’s - The doctor says I have to
E opinion. lose weight.
D
- Negative form :Not necessary -You don’t have to wash the
V / absence of obligation dishes. We have a dishwasher
E
R
B
-Strong obligation in the
speaker’s opinion. (inside) (it - I must study hard for my
usually expresses the wishes examinations.
and feelings of the speaker

-Strong advice. -You must visit the new

restaurant in town. It’s really
MUST good !

M -Possibility/probability -Bill didn’t come to school

today. He must be ill
O
-Questions with have to (are -Do people have to vote for
more common). president ?
D

A - Negative form: Negative -You mustn’t drive if you are

obligation /prohibition under the effects of alcohol.

L
- Mild obligation. - It’s hot. You should /ought to
swim in the pool for a while
SHOULD
(OUGHT -Suggestion or advice.(In the -I think you should/ ought to go
speaker’s opinion is the best on a diet.
TO) thing to do).
V
-Question: Do you think -What do you think I should
E ......should..? do?

R
 CAN - Permission. -You can /are allowed to go to
the movies with your friends.
B (BE ALLOWED
TO) -Request -Can I have a piece of cake?
S
CAN -Ability -My little sister is only one and
(BE ABLE she can
walk very well.
TO)
-Permission in the past. -The children could/were
(Be allowed to) allowed to go to the park.

COULD -Ability in the past. -When I was a child I could /

(be able to) was able
to skate
-Request(More polite)
-Could you help me?
-Permission - You may stay up till midnight.

MAY -Possiblility. -Daisy may be ill. She’s not in

class.
-Request ( Very polite)
-May I use your dictionary?
NOTE: MUST and HAVE TO in some cases are interchangeable.
e.g. - I must stay home at the weekend.
- I have to stay home at the weekend